Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Computer Woes Slow Mars Craft

Soil photos lost in transmission 'not really critical,' but lander's mission delayed

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 19, 2008 3:16 PM CDT

(Newser) – The Phoenix Mars Lander stopped digging yesterday to give its memory a rest after a computer glitch caused the loss of photographs and scientific data, the AP reports. Scientists were alerted to the problem after the lander transmitted a single piece of information 45,000 times. "It's unfortunate to lose any bit of science," one scientist said. "But it's not really critical stuff that you kick yourself over."

Phoenix's Robotic Arm scoop containing a soil sample poised over the partially open door of the Thermal and Evolved-Gas Analyzer's number four cell, or oven.
Phoenix's Robotic Arm scoop containing a soil sample poised over the partially open door of the Thermal and Evolved-Gas Analyzer's number four cell, or oven.   (AP Photo)
Two trenches dug by Phoenix's robotic arm are shown on the surface of Mars.
Two trenches dug by Phoenix's robotic arm are shown on the surface of Mars.   (AP Photo)
The Phoenix Mars Lander uses its Robotic Arm to test a sprinkle method for delivering small samples of soil to instruments on the lander deck.
The Phoenix Mars Lander uses its Robotic Arm to test a "sprinkle" method for delivering small samples of soil to instruments on the lander deck.   (AP Photo)
A full-scale model of the Phoenix lander.
A full-scale model of the Phoenix lander.   (AP Photo/Ric Francis)
The lander's new trench, called Snow White, in a patch of Martian soil near the center of a polygonal surface feature nicknamed Chesire Cat.
The lander's new trench, called "Snow White," in a patch of Martian soil near the center of a polygonal surface feature nicknamed "Chesire Cat."   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Mission Accomplished on Mars

Shake 'N Bake: Unclogged Phoenix Ovens Ready

Mars Through a Microscope

Stowaway Molecules Could Taint Mars Results

Phoenix Samples Martian Dirt


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne